Written By: Sammy Hausman-Weiss, Student Policy Associate
A few days ago, I was talking to my father on the phone when he told me, “You know, Sammy, the middle is where the only change happens.” The “middle” is an interesting concept with a variety of connotations. Politically, “the middle” might refer to the “establishment,” or it might refer to compromise. The middle is a gray area – it’s a place where you have to give to get. That might not sound too appealing, but it’s the only way unique coalitions can be created; people, groups, and ideas can come together through their similarities in spite of their differences.
This notion of the middle serving as a space for change-making applies to several aspects of my life. Over the last few months, it has been particularly present in one specific area: my experience interning for the Minaret Foundation.
Minaret operates in a manner that is starkly different from other advocacy organizations. Minaret is focused on coalition building and community cohesion. Some might argue this is unattainable in the overwhelmingly polarized society we live in, and it’s better to pick a side and hunker down. To that, I say, let me introduce you to my friend Maimonides. The ancient Jewish philosopher and physician Moses Maimonides teaches about the importance of identifying the moderate path between extremes as a way to bring us closer to peace and contentment.
The political reality of the Texas State Legislature is exactly that – it is a reality. Texas-based nonprofit advocacy organizations such as Minaret Foundation should be beholden to the stated values and goals of their own organization; however, that shouldn’t mean cooperation goes out the window if disagreements arise. Compromise can bring us closer together; sticking to the extremes only brings us further apart.
When it appears that polarization and division supersede productive lawmaking – we have a problem. When a bill passes and is greeted with condemnation by one side, one of two options can happen. Either side can initiate an opposition campaign that aims to completely reverse the bill’s passage, which will require significant time, energy, and resources and likely be unsuccessful, given they are fighting a majority. Or, that side can dedicate their efforts to proposing amendments and engaging in conversations about their concerns. I understand the latter option might not sound too intriguing – compromise is not supposed to be thrilling.
However, the middle is where change happens. Working together, hearing why we disagree, and focusing on our mutual interests is how our beloved state will start to look and sound like the Texas we aspire to. I am proud of the work we do at Minaret. Finding common ground and setting aside cultural or political differences in order to reach a workable solution is democracy in action, and it should be the framework through which advocacy, lobbying, and politics are facilitated.
